Anxiety Therapy for Kids & Teens in Portland, Maine
Evidence-based treatment for children, teens and young adults, ages 4 to 21
Helping kids and teens worry less and do more
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons families reach out to us, and one of the most treatable. When worry starts to get in the way of school, sleep, friendships or family life, therapy can help children and teens understand their anxiety, learn practical skills, and gradually get back to the things that matter to them.
At Beacon Light, anxiety treatment is grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the most well-researched therapy for childhood anxiety. Parents are an important part of the process, so you'll learn how to help at home too.
Signs your child may be struggling with anxiety
Anxiety doesn't always look like worry. In children and teens it can show up as stomachaches, irritability, meltdowns or avoidance.
Ages 4 to 7
- Clinging or distress at separations
- Frequent stomachaches or headaches
- Meltdowns before school or new activities
- Fears that seem bigger than the situation
Ages 8 to 12
- Lots of "what if" questions and reassurance seeking
- Avoiding school, sleepovers or activities
- Trouble falling asleep because of worries
- Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
Ages 13 to 21
- Constant worry about grades, friends or the future
- Avoiding social situations or speaking up
- Panic attacks or feeling on edge
- Irritability, shutting down or staying home more
Types of anxiety we treat
Worries that come with unwanted thoughts and rituals may be OCD, which we also treat. Learn about OCD therapy → · See all the concerns we help with →
How anxiety keeps itself going
Avoiding what feels scary brings quick relief, which makes sense. But each time we avoid, the brain learns the situation was dangerous, so the fear grows. This cycle is why anxiety often gets bigger over time.
How therapy breaks the cycle
Understand and cope
Children and teens learn how anxiety works, notice anxious thoughts, and build skills to calm their bodies and think more flexibly.
Face fears step by step
With support, they gradually approach feared situations in small, manageable steps, learning that they can handle them and that anxiety passes.
Support at home
Parents learn how to respond to worry in ways that build confidence, and how to step back from reassurance and accommodations that keep anxiety going.
Move toward what matters
Especially for teens and young adults, ACT helps make room for uncomfortable feelings while focusing on goals and values.
What to expect
Free 15-minute call
Talk with one of our psychologists about what's going on and whether therapy could help. If it's a good fit, we'll schedule your intake and send consent forms to sign online.
Intake session
A 50- to 90-minute meeting, usually in person at our Portland office, to gather information about current concerns and answer your questions about therapy.
Weekly sessions
50-minute sessions that are structured but supportive. We encourage starting with 4 to 6 weekly sessions in a row to build momentum, then we can talk about moving to every other week as things improve.
Common questions about anxiety therapy
How do I know if it's normal worry or an anxiety disorder?
Some worry is a normal part of growing up. It may be time to reach out when worry is frequent or intense, lasts for weeks or months, leads to avoiding things your child used to do, or gets in the way of school, sleep, friendships or family life.
Will facing fears make my child more anxious?
Facing fears is done gradually and with your child's input, starting with small, manageable steps. Anxiety often rises briefly and then settles, and over time children learn they can handle situations they used to avoid. It's one of the most effective parts of treatment.
How involved will I be as a parent?
Very involved, especially for younger children. Parents learn how anxiety works, how to respond to worry in helpful ways, and how to support practice at home. For teens and young adults, we balance privacy with keeping you informed.
How long does anxiety treatment take?
It depends on your child and their goals. We encourage starting with 4 to 6 weekly sessions in a row to build momentum, then we can talk about moving to every other week. We'll review progress together along the way.
Do you prescribe anxiety medication?
No. Our psychologists don't prescribe medication. If medication may be helpful, we're happy to coordinate with your child's pediatrician or another prescriber.
Do you take insurance?
We're a private-pay practice and don't bill insurance directly. We provide a monthly superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement, and HSA and FSA cards are welcome. See our rates and reimbursement guide.
Ready to help your child worry less?
Book a free 15-minute call with one of our psychologists to talk about what's going on and whether therapy could help.